Name: Creamy Beef Taco Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Mexican
Ingredients: 3 cups uncooked medium shell pasta; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 red bell pepper, diced; ½ medium yellow onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup taco seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; ½ cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

This one-pot Creamy Beef Taco Pasta Skillet is the kind of dinner that hits all the right notes. It’s quick, cheesy, filling, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have.

Shell pasta soaks up a creamy taco-seasoned sauce with lean ground beef, melty cheese, and just enough heat to keep things interesting.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes and easy on your wallet, this one’s for you. It’s colorful, hearty, and perfect for your weekly dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef Taco Pasta Skillet

Only one skillet and one pot needed for this entire meal
Family-friendly and ready in 30 minutes
Pantry-staple ingredients like pasta, taco seasoning, and ground beef
Deliciously creamy without using any heavy cream

There’s no need to prep separate components. Everything comes together fast, making it a smart weeknight option that won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes. Plus, you can scale it for crowds or freeze portions for later.

If you love ground meat one pot meals and crave creamy comfort food, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients for Shell Pasta Dinner with Beef

You’ll need just a handful of flavorful ingredients to bring this shell pasta dinner to life. Here’s the full list with exact quantities for easy shopping.

3 cups uncooked medium shell pasta
1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ medium yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste (or use 10 oz Rotel for a thinner sauce)
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

This is one of those easy dinner recipes for family one pot nights that looks impressive but takes minimal effort. If you’re missing an ingredient, you’ll find variations in Part 5 to adjust it.

To keep your pasta creamy and beautiful, try to use fresh herbs or colorful toppings when serving. This adds visual appeal if you’re planning to share the dish online or save it to Pinterest.

Try this Tater Tot Taco Casserole too

How to Make Creamy Beef Taco Pasta Skillet

This recipe comes together fast, so have all your ingredients ready before you start. Use a deep skillet or sauté pan for best results.

1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 3 cups of shell pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the beef and veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound ground beef with 1 diced red bell pepper and ½ diced onion. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the beef is browned and vegetables are soft. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add seasoning and garlic
Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, ¼ cup taco seasoning, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Build the roux and sauce
Add 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet and melt. Sprinkle in ¼ cup flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 2 cups beef broth. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened.

5. Finish with sour cream and cheese
Reduce heat to low. Add ½ cup sour cream and 1 cup shredded cheese. Stir until creamy. Fold in the cooked shell pasta and toss until fully coated in the sauce.

Serve immediately with toppings like cilantro, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

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What to Serve with Beef Taco Pasta Skillet

Creamy Beef Taco Pasta is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with a few easy sides and toppings that enhance the flavors without extra work.

Toppings that work great:

Fresh cilantro or parsley
Chopped avocado or guacamole
Crushed tortilla chips
Sliced jalapeños
Extra shredded cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt drizzle

Simple sides to serve with it:

Mexican corn salad
Refried beans
Tortilla chips with salsa
A crunchy taco slaw or cabbage salad

To make this even more of a fiesta-style meal, serve it buffet-style with bowls of toppings so everyone can build their own perfect plate.

Try this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Easy Variations & Customization Ideas

This is one of those one pot pasta recipes with meat that’s endlessly flexible. Try one of these swaps to fit your family’s preferences.

Switch the protein: Use ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken
Add veggies: Stir in frozen corn, black beans, or spinach
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños
Lower the carbs: Use whole wheat pasta or cauliflower pasta
Change the cheese: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or cheddar
Different pasta shapes: Rotini or penne work great too
Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives

For added crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving.

Try this Delicious Philly Cheese Steak Pasta Recipe

Storage & Reheating for One Pot Pasta Recipes with Meat

This creamy skillet pasta stores well and makes great leftovers.

Refrigerator:
Let the pasta cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Not ideal due to the sour cream, which may separate. If you must freeze it, undercook the pasta slightly and freeze without the sour cream, adding it after reheating.

Reheating Instructions:

Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.

Avoid reheating more than once for best texture and food safety.

Try this Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Pro Tips for Creamy Taco Pasta Success

Don’t skip the roux: It thickens the sauce and gives a rich texture
Cook pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta can fall apart in sauce
Mix cheese in off heat: Prevents the cheese from becoming grainy
Add sour cream at the end: Keeps the sauce smooth and tangy
Use fresh toppings: For contrast and presentation

Pre-measuring your ingredients helps the process go smoothly, especially since this dish comes together fast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Taco Pasta Recipes

Not draining ground beef: Can make the sauce greasy
Overcooking pasta: Shells will fall apart when stirred into sauce
Adding cheese too early: Causes it to clump or get stringy
Using too much taco seasoning: May overpower other flavors
Skipping flour: Your sauce will be runny and won’t cling to pasta

Always taste the sauce before adding salt, especially if your broth or taco seasoning is already salted.

Conclusion

This creamy beef taco pasta skillet brings together the best of taco night and cheesy pasta night into one comforting, quick, and satisfying dish.

It’s easy to customize, simple to make, and guaranteed to please even picky eaters. With just one skillet and a few everyday ingredients, you’ve got dinner on the table in 30 minutes.

Love this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it, share it, and come back for more one-pot dinners that make life easier and tastier.

FAQs About Creamy Beef Taco Pasta Skillet

Can I use a different pasta shape for creamy beef taco pasta skillet?

Yes, rotini, penne, bowtie, or even elbows work well in place of shell pasta. Just be sure to cook until al dente so the pasta holds up in the creamy sauce.

What taco toppings go well with creamy beef taco pasta skillet?

Great toppings include crushed tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños. These extras add color, texture, and freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

Is creamy beef taco pasta skillet a good kid-friendly recipe?

Absolutely. The mild taco flavor and cheesy sauce make it a hit with kids. You can even sneak in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.

Can I prep creamy beef taco pasta skillet ahead of time?

Yes. Make the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of beef broth to keep the sauce creamy. It’s also a great option for meal prep or batch cooking.